LIVING WITH AUTISM

Early day motion 39, tabled 18 November 2009 by Bob Spink (Independent). Signed by 73 members.

That this House notes that there are over half a million people in the United Kingdom with autism who, to varying degrees, struggle to make sense of the world; further notes that this can cause them considerable anxiety, particularly in understanding and relating to other people and taking part in family, work and social life; further notes with concern that autism is still relatively unknown and misunderstood which means that many of those affected get nothing like the level of help, support and understanding they need; and congratulates the National Autistic Society for working with people living with autism to overcome social isolation,encourage independence and livelife with confidence so they can enjoy the same opportunities that the rest of us take for granted.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 21, Conservative 4, DUP 3, Independent 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.